Football
KweséESPN Staff 5y

Medhi Benatia opens door to Juventus exit in January

Medhi Benatia has expressed his unhappiness at his lack of gametime at Juventus, and has opened the door to a potential January exit from the Italian champions.

The Morocco international has made just four appearances in Serie A this term - amassing 360 minutes of playing time - and has featured only twice in the top flight since late September.

He played all 90 minutes of Juve's 3-1 victory over Cagliari on Saturday, but revealed to journalists after the match that he will evaluate his future at the club if his relative inactivity persists.

"If [Juventus] need me in the Champions League, I will make myself ready, but I can hardly play a game every so often," Benatia told journalists as per La Stampa.

"Last year I did well because I had more continuity. Unfortunately, now I do not have it," he added. "Part of my job is that I always have to work to make myself ready, but it is not a pleasant situation."

Benatia has struggled for playing time this season amidst some intense defensive competition at Juve, where a shift to a back four has reduced his options.

Leonardo Bonucci's return has further exacerbated the situation, with the form AC Milan man first-choice alongside Giorgio Chiellini. Andrea Barzagli and Daniele Rugani are also jostling for spots.

"I am available to the team, and as long as I stay here, I will give my best," Benatia continued. "It's normal that this is not good for me.

"I'm 31 and I have to try to play as much as possible," he concluded. "Let's see in January what will happen, how much I have been used, and if Juventus need me."

The North African made 20 appearances - of which 19 were starts - in Serie A last term, having previously featured 15 times while on loan from Bayern Munich during the 2016-17 campaign.

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